UW Health joined health institutions around the country to celebrate advanced practice providers (APPs) during National APP Week, September 22–26. At UW Health, more than 900 APPs work as nurse practitioners, physician assistants, certified registered nurse anesthetists, certified anesthesiologist assistants, and certified nurse midwives.
During a reception on the evening of September 22, UW Health leadership recognized 78 APPs who were nominated for an award by their colleagues. Leaders presented 10 of the nominees with 2025 APP Excellence Awards. Among the winners were two nurse practitioners from the Department of Pediatrics.
Erin Heredia, NP, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, was awarded a Rising Star–Clinical Excellence Award. Heredia is recognized and celebrated for her clinical excellence and leadership in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Since joining as a new graduate, Heredia has rapidly demonstrated exceptional clinical judgment, skill, and a commitment to continuous learning. She played a pivotal role in co-creating the Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) transition clinic, which improves patient-centered handoffs from pediatric to adult care using evidence-based tools. In addition, she has worked to advance quality improvement initiatives, including her leadership in the ImproveCareNow collaborative and development of Epic-based tools to streamline workflows and improve patient outcomes. Heredia’s contributions extend to quality improvement initiatives within the IBD program, enhancing patient identification and education. Known for her exceptional clinical judgment and evidence-based approach, Heredia thoughtfully tailors care to meet the complex medical and emotional needs of her patients and families. She actively promotes shared decision-making. Recognized by colleagues and leadership alike as a rising star, Heredia’s dedication, innovation, and patient-centered approach continue to elevate the UW Health Kids team and promise a lasting impact on pediatric gastroenterology.
Ben Schultz, NP, Division of Neonatology and Newborn Nursery, was awarded a Rising Star–Excellence in Leadership Award. His leadership spans clinical excellence, team coordination, and system improvement across three NICUs: the Level IV NICU at American Family Children’s Hospital, the Level III NICU at UnityPoint Health–Meriter, and where he moonlights in the NICU at UW Health in Northern Illinois. Schultz is recognized for his calm, thoughtful presence and ability to lead in both formal and informal ways — balancing initiative with humility and consistently putting the needs of patients and the team first. He plays a critical role in scheduling and coverage coordination, facilitating seamless clinical operations with fairness and transparency. He is also a strong connector across sites, helping to align practices and foster cross-campus collaboration. Schultz plays a key role in managing complex clinical scenarios such as AFCH neonatal deliveries involving fetal anomalies or periods of high census at Meriter. His presence is consistently reassuring to team members, and his actions reflect a profound dedication to both patient care and the support of his colleagues. As a dedicated mentor to APP trainees, residents, and fellows, he promotes a culture of learning while modeling grace under pressure during complex clinical situations. Actively involved in quality improvement and research initiatives, Schultz is a vocal advocate for academic and research pursuits for APPs. With a vision for long-term team development, a commitment to clinical excellence, and a deep sense of responsibility to his peers, he exemplifies the qualities of a Rising Star in Leadership.
The following is a full list of the Department of Pediatrics APPs who were nominated for a UW Health APP Excellence Award:
- Alicia Barnes, NP, Division of Neonatology and Newborn Nursery
- Erin Heredia, NP, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition
- Lisa Keller, NP, Division Hematology, Oncology, Transplant, and Cellular Therapy
- Rose Marie Mayo, NP, Division of Developmental Pediatrics and Rehabilitation Medicine
- Abby Schiller, NP, Division of Neonatology and Newborn Nursery
- Ben Schultz, NP, Division of Neonatology and Newborn Nursery
- Emily Schumacher, NP, Division of Developmental Pediatrics and Rehabilitation Medicine
- Maria Standiford, NP, Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine
- Catherine Stevens, NP, Division Hematology, Oncology, Transplant, and Cellular Therapy
- Kristan Sodergren, NP, Division of Hospital Medicine and Complex Care
- Jenna Torgeson, NP, Division of Cardiology
- Marcy Weidkamp, NP, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition
UW Health provided the descriptions of the APP Excellence Award winners.